R&D Research Associate

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

We're looking for a Research Associate to join our R&D team and play a hands-on role in developing next-generation plant protein solutions. This is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology, food science, and commercial application, helping translate research into real-world impact.

You'll be part of a collaborative team driving innovation from bench-scale experiments through pilot-scale development, contributing directly to how plant-based products are produced and used.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform basic biotechnology experiments and collect and record/ document research data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Plan, manage, execute plant protein research from bench to pilot scale following established procedures and protocols.

• Develop novel extraction techniques for plant proteins extraction.

• Active collaboration with product development, process engineering, and analytics to ensure the timely deliverables.

• Apply learning from patent landscape and public research to short, mid and long term in-house and external partner collaborative projects

• Coordinate with scientists & senior scientists in generating innovative methods of plant proteins isolation and characterization process, and convert them into successful experimental plan and execution.

• Operating equipment's to characterize proximate and functionality of a variety of plant protein sources.

• Data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results as well as interpreting and communicating the finding of R&D team to the business unit

Qualifications

Required qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or related field OR
• Master's degree in the above fields, with 1+ years of experience.

Preferred qualification:

• Basic lab experience
• 2-4 years of previous job experience in a biotech or food tech industry is preferred.

• A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space.

• Knowledge of basic protein chemistry and their extraction techniques, basic proximate characterization techniques.

• Understanding of QA/QC, microbial safety, and sensory properties of proteins and food products.

• Know-how in methods to characterize plant proteins and it's use thereof in food and beverage systems using analytical methods such as rheology, texture analysis, particle size, SDS-PAGE etc., is preferred.

• 2-4 years of previous job experience in a biotech or food tech industry is preferred.

Additional Information

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights;

• Ability to work in confined spaces.

• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.

• Ability to withstand extended periods of walking and standing.

• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures.

• Ability to work in fast-paced lab environments.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.

• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.

• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Safety, Health and Environmental Requirements

• This…